Confident Winter Running: Yaktrax Run Review

Before I get into this review, I would like it to be CLEAN AND CLEAR and under control that Yaktrax doesn’t even know that I exist. I received these as a gift, they were paid for in full, and this is completely me, my thoughts, and experience. BLOGGING WITH INTEGRITY FOR THE WIN.

After a relatively mild fall and winter, many of us are, for the first time this season, experiencing true wintery conditions and temperatures. As in….

Monday Morning.

Gulp. YEAH. And that is a big middle finger to us marathon trainees. And just silly in general, let’s be honest.

We got our first snow of the year/season/whatever on Sunday, and this week is our first real prolonged freeze as well. Read: we are going to be dealing with ice, snow, as well as pavement and slush due to salting. So, even though I have my new Newton BOCO’s, which will help me with the conditions in general (as well as being warmer), they are still not going to do much on ice.

Well, for once in my life, I had the foresight to prepare myself with something other than food (which I always have on hand), and I asked my MIL for a pair of Yaktrax Run traction “devices.” From the website:

The Yaktrax RUN is the only traction device anatomically designed to meet the needs of runners braving the winter elements. Run naturally on packed snow and ice with the Yaktrax Run’s combination of removable spikes and steel coils, providing 360° of unbeatable traction. Continue your training during the winter with the same stability you are accustomed to on dry surfaces. The Yaktrax Run can be worn in temperatures as low as ‑41° Fahrenheit.

And yesterday (Monday), I got to try them out! I wore them with my Newton Kismets and ran at lunch time, when I new that a) the wind would have decreased (from negative 20 wind chill and 20+ mph gusts), b) there would be some salting done, and c) I would be able to see a bit better.

Fit:

I wear a size 8.5, and got a size small Yaktrax. And they fit perfectly. Put your toe in, and then pull the heel tab back and over the heel of your shoe. Then just adjust the velcro over the top for a snug fit (like stirrups on a spin bike).

My Experience:

I had no clue what these would feel like to run on. I’ve heard mixed results about the regular Yaktrax (the ones with just the springs). But there was little, if any variation in my stride, and I felt perfectly secure on pavement, snow, slush, and ice! The little baby spikes up front grabbed on to ice and helped pull me up the hill that I fell (up?) down that time. The snug fit meant that I didn’t have to worry about dragging my toe and wiping out, and the fact that the spikes are right at the ball of your foot mean that you don’t have to worry about scraping yourself if you cut in with your foot.

The only niggle I had was of my own doing–I didn’t have the right Yaktrax on completely centered, so I could feel the spikes slightly off center.

A few notes!

Now, I was running in Newtons, and one of my favorite aspects of the Newtons is the way the shoe responds to pavement, and I was worried about interference with that. But I never should have worried! I felt like I was just wearing the Newtons as usual, and maybe even a little bit springier. I honestly wouldn’t mind ALWAYS running in them, haha.

I felt like I was a landing a little bit further back on my foot as I was running, but I think that is also largely a result of the conditions.

My run provided me the chance for all of the types of surfaces: 0-2 inches of snow, ice, salt, concrete. Safe and secure on all of them.

My only worry is that running on the concrete my hurt the spikes, but I guess time will tell!

Last note–I wore them with my Newtons, and they were snug. I haven’t tried them with my Ravennas yet, which have a much thicker sole. I don’t know if they would fit over shoes like the HOKA’s and otherwise, as you wouldn’t want to order any larger than your shoe size, because then the spikes and springs would be in the wrong place.

Bottom Line?

If you live in a place with ice/snow/sleet whatever and you plan on running through it, you deserve to give yourself the peace of mind of running in these Yaktrax Run traction slip ons. I was nervous about how they would feel before running in them, but I can say with absolute confidence that these will become a necessary and frequently used part of my winter running kit.

And, retailing at $40, they cost less than compression socks, you only need one pair, and they will keep you safe. A good investment, in my opinion!

Have you tried out Yaktrax? What about this version?

Are you out running in these conditions? Do you still run in the AM or are you waiting until later?

Have you read these gems?

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Suzlyfe is a Chicago-based healthy life, fitness, running, and food blog that aims to educate, connect, and inspire: educate readers in an accessible way about fitness, running, and wellness; connect readers to myself (Susie) and others with the same interests and passions; and inspire all to live a life beyond expectations.Email Me

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Though I am a RRCA Certified Running Coach and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a chronic illness, a physician husband, and a lot of experience, and though I may seem like a know it all, please remember that all views expressed on my blog are mine along. Consult your physician before making any personal changes to your mental or physical health and wellness programs.